I went to change my car's fuel filter a few minutes ago and ran into a problem. After removing the fuel pump fuse from the engine bay, attempting to start the car several times and then unscrewing the gas tank's cap there was still pressure in the fuel lines. At first I thought it was just extra gas that was pooled in the filter and/or laying in the lines, but it kept coming out with no end in sight.

Admittedly, I only let it trickle out for a minute or so. Is that amount of residual gas normal? I realize that changing a fuel filter's an easy job, but am wary of causing any damage in the process.

Any advice is much appreciated!

 

Don't worry about a constant trickle of fuel. If it's spraying out, that's another matter. Just put a pan under the filter to catch the fuel and change the filter. You're not doing any damage.

If this still bothers you, park the car and let it sit over night. Change the filter the next morning. By this time, the pressure in the fuel system will be gone.

 

A trickle of fuel is normal and you'll get about 1/2 cup of fuel out at once when the line to the filter is removed.

 

Thanks for the help guys! I'll finish the filter change today (with a pan to catch the fuel).